History & Traditions

Traditions

Traditions connect us to the past, imbue our present with a sense of community and light a path for the future. These stories offer insight about leaders who have made an impact in our history, significant events and special places on campus.

The Bishop’s Parlor is a grand double roomjust inside the main building of The Summit. It was so named because it was the location where the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur would greet visiting clergy, including multiple bishops.

The daughter of an alumna, a lifer, alumna, parent, teacher, grandparent and member of the Alumni Board, Summit Parents Association (SPA), Booster Board and Board of Trustees, Mary (Foss) Brinkmeyer ’67 made an indelible mark on The Summit.

Tradition of Excellence Across the Years

1890

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur open the Academy of Our Lady of Cincinnati for girls. The first class consists of 20 students in grades one through 12. The student/teacher ratio of 1:1 begins a tradition of individualized attention that continues to this day.

1927

Our Lady of Cincinnati becomes The Summit Country Day School. The curriculum is expanded to include physical education and a variety of cultural programs.

1941

The Summit Boys School is established for students in grades one through eight. At the time, it is one of only three schools of its kind in the state of Ohio.

1963

Two of the Sisters of Notre Dame reintroduce Montessori education for three- to five-year-old students. Over time, the school becomes a leader in Montessori education.

1970

The Summit Primary School opens for students in grades one through three. Separate middle schools for boys and girls are established for students in grades four through eight.

1972

Boys begin attending The Summit Upper School for the first time. The school’s first coeducational class graduates in 1976.

1995

After years of research and planning, Assistant Head of School Mary (Foss) Brinkmeyer '67 implements the character education program. The program quickly becomes a key component of the school’s educational philosophy.

1997

The Summit builds a new middle school, renovates the main building, and completes a range of new athletic facilities.

2004

2004 – Construction is completed on the new Lower School.

2005

New stadium on Williams Field is completed.

2011

First of its kind, synthetic turf baseball field at The Summit Athletic Complex is dedicated in April. New tennis courts at The Summit Athletic Complex are dedicated in August.